DT News - MEA - Only one in five UAE residents visit dentist regularly

Dental Tribune International

Wed. 23 October 2013

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates: A new oral health care study, commissioned by international gum manufacturer Wrigley, has found that the majority of people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have poor oral hygiene habits. Although health authorities advise regular dental visits to prevent oral disease, only one in five people in the country appear to be adhering to this recommendation.

Among others, the survey showed that almost 50 per cent of the participants only visit their dentist when in pain and about 20 per cent only visit their dentist once a year, although it is recommended that one see a dentist at least twice a year, said Dr Ramesh Sabhlok, a local orthodontist and former consultant to the Dubai Health Authority, a government organisation that oversees the health system in Dubai.

“Tooth decay is the most prevalent chronic health condition in the UAE, affecting more than 80 per cent of the population. Although conditions such as tooth decay may seem minor at first, they can lead to other major dental problems, such as gum disease,” Sabhlok stated.

“It is important to develop an oral health care routine with dentists and follow it daily. All individuals, including children with adult supervision, should brush their teeth at least twice a day, floss on a daily basis and use an oral rinse to eliminate additional germs that may be present in their mouths. Good oral hygiene involves more than just brushing and prevention is better than cure,” he concluded.

The survey was conducted in the scope of the Extra Oral Healthcare Programme, a programme run by Wrigley in collaboration with local dentists and hygienists in 47 countries worldwide to help them improve their patients’ oral health care routine.

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